Op-Ed: Feel free to criticize our president but do it politely!

In my View

by Rabbi Herschel Billet

Issue of April 30, 2010/ 16 Iyar, 5770

As a proud American citizen who cares deeply about the fate and destiny of Israel, the growing tension between the USA and Israel under the current administration in Washington, D.C. is of great concern. I can recall no time in my memory when a sitting U.S. president (including President Carter while in office), the executive office (including George H.W. Bush’s executive office), and cabinet have appeared to be so intensely and increasingly hostile toward Israel and one-sided and understanding towards terror-sponsoring states (e.g. Syria) and “respectable” terrorist partners (e.g. the Palestinian Authority).

I have seen much material in the pro-Israel press and in pro-Israel cyberspace, that has taken up the case for Israel intelligently and eloquently. And this must continue in all legitimate arenas.

At the same time I have seen material and initiatives that are not acceptable and could be harmful to Israel. There have been vicious ad hominem attacks on the President and his men. Some, unfortunately, have been racial. And they come from members (mostly fringe elements but not exclusively fringe elements) of the pro-Israel Jewish community. Remember, if we care about Israel and want to help Israel, we must speak and act in a manner that is effective. A few points are in order:

1. We must always show respect to the office of the President of the United States.

2. We must be respectful towards cabinet members and advisers of the President.

3. We must always speak with measured words, in a respectful tone.

4. We should be forceful and tireless in our advocacy for Israel.

5. We are allowed to criticize the policies of the President, the executive branch, and those members of Congress who are unfair to Israel.

6. We should nurture and solicit help from our friends in Congress.

7. We should express support for the prime minister and government of Israel.

8. We should encourage the prime minister to be fearless in pursuing his mandate on behalf of the citizens of Israel. He should not make concessions on matters of security (such as removing road blocks/checkpoints) which might compromise the safety of Israeli citizens.

9. He should continue to allow communities to build according to the needs of normal growth within Jewish communities which are located on legally acquired land including in Judea and Samaria.

10. Jerusalem is the united capitol of Israel and must be developed legally without any quotas imposed by foreign governments. Only under Israeli control have all religions been allowed to worship freely at their holy sites in Jerusalem.

11. Under no circumstance should our words or deeds be disrespectful, insulting or racially abusive. Our public actions/demonstrations should be pro-Israel, not anti-Obama.

Respectfully Yours,

Rabbi Hershel Billet

Rabbi Billet, rabbi of the Young Israel of Woodmere, sent this message to the members of his congregation.